No one really knows how Valentines day started. In ancient Rome, the 14th of February honored the god Juno. Some say Valentines day originally started in mid February because it is the time of year when animals pair off. Over the years it became popular to exchange small gifts or tokens and love letters. In France the greeting cards are called cartes d'amities. the first recorded Valentines greeting was supposed to have been sent by the Duke of Orleans, a Frenchman who was held prisoner in the Tower of London after his capture at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. During his imprisonment the young duke is said to have sent poems & love letters to his wife in France. heureux Saint Valentin!

http://www.lost-in-france.com/diary-dates/405-valentines-day-in-france